Learners and educators in Swakopmund have taken a stand against online abuse, which they say is widespread and detrimental to the health of young people.

Teachers and learners from Atlantic Junior Secondary School organised a walk to raise awareness about cyberbullying and encourage young people to practice responsible online behaviours.

The organisers say the initiative started as part of the school curriculum but became something much bigger by uniting the community and addressing a growing problem.

The teacher at the Atlantic Junior Secondary School and organiser of the event, Sophia Kaune, explained that the reason for the event was "because cyberbullying is a topic that falls under social media, and social media is one of the topics in our curriculum. The big walk is because we also wanted to engage with other schools, mostly our neighbouring schools, just so that we can spread awareness and create a well-informed community, especially because young people suffer the most."

Educators say bullying is no longer limited to the playground. 

"Cyberbullying has moved from the playground to school and outside, and there's no one to report it to."

During the awareness event, learners delivered speeches explaining the different forms cyberbullying can take – from harassment and fake accounts to spreading rumours online.

The organisers hope the awareness campaign will inspire other schools across Namibia to take similar action.

They urged social media users to think before they post, speak up when bullying happens, and work together to create a safer digital world.